T-Wolves stop Benton to end regular season

By A.J. Gates

With a Six Rivers conference record of 14-3, coach Dan Moris and his River Ridge boys’ basketball team closed out the regular season in a two-way tie for second place in the final conference standings.

The Timberwolves closed out the regular season last Thursday night with a 66-60 victory over visiting Benton, leaving them with a conference record of 14-3. That same night, Belmont defeated Potosi/Cassville, 51-49, leaving the P/C boys also at 14-3, while the Braves secured the conference title at 15-2.

Against the visiting Zephyrs (6-11, 6-18), coach Moris’ squad trailed their visitors 32-30 after one half of play, but then outscored Benton 36-28 in the second half to secure the six-point victory.

Making an effort to get to the basket, the Timberwolves outscored the Zephyrs 36-12 in the paint, as River Ridge made 17-of-23 (74 percent) shots within five feet of the rim.

Benton ruled the outside, making 10-of-26 (38.5 percent) 3-point attempts, while the Timberwolves were 4-of-16 (25 percent) from long range. The Zephyrs also pulled down 10 offensive rebounds to River Ridge’s five, accounting for eight second-chance points to the Timberwolves’ three.

Brandon Davis led River Ridge with 27 points on 9-of-19 shot attempts and 8-of-9 free throw attempts. He also pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds for a double-double, to go along with a team-high five assists and team-high four steals.

Adding 10 points to his team’s victory was Reese Drew, followed by Noah Copsey with nine and Brock Bunge six.

The Timberwolves began division 5 tournament play this past Tuesday night against La Farge/Youth Initiative, with regional semifinal action scheduled for this Friday night and regional final action on Saturday evening.